What Is BOTOX?

BOTOX Cosmetic is widely used as a cosmetic enhancement to temporarily reduce wrinkles and fine lines in the face, banish neck bands, and clear away crow's feet. BOTOX was approved by the FDA for non-cosmetic use in 1989 and approved for cosmetic use in 2002. It has been used to treat over 1 million patients worldwide in the past decade.

The earliest form of BOTOX was used in the 1960's as an investigational drug for treating crossed eyes, a condition caused by uncontrollable muscle spasms behind the eye. BOTOX has found use in non-cosmetic applications and is FDA approved to treat cervical dystonia and hyperhidrosis.

The brand name BOTOX is short for botulinum toxin A. Botulinum toxin A is a neurotoxin produced by the bacteria called Clostridium botulinum, which causes the form of food poisoning we know as botulism. In some severe cases, the food poisoning version of botulism can be fatal if the individual is paralyzed by the botulism toxins. These toxins bind to nerve endings and prevent muscles from contracting by blocking release of acetylcholine, which causes muscle contractions, from the nerve. This is basically how Botox works, but within much smaller and safer parameters. Non-cosmetic Botox is often used to cease involuntary muscle spasms.
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How Does BOTOX Work?

When BOTOX Cosmetic is injected into facial lines, those muscles are paralyzed, making the wrinkles less visible. Results last for three to eight months and are visible a short while (usually just a few days) after the BOTOX is injected into the affected area.

New uses for BOTOX are being currently being studied, including treatment of head and neck tremors, hyperhydrosis (excessive sweating), migraine headaches, facial spasms, TMJ, and writer's cramp.

It is crucial to recognize that the effects of your BOTOX Cosmetic treatment are not a cure and are not permanent. You may require further treatments to achieve the effect you desire.
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What Are The Risks Of BOTOX?

Some of the possible side effects of BOTOX injections include difficulty swallowing, headache, neck pain, nausea, bruising at injection area, or upper respiratory infection.

Some patients have different reactions to later treatments that did not occur with the first treatment. This can happen for several different reasons. If you somehow change certain patterns with your muscle movement, it is possible that the treatment will affect those muscles differently. You may also develop antibodies to the toxin over time, preventing your muscles from reacting the way it did previously.
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What Are BOTOX Alternatives?

Other botulinum toxin A alternatives include:

• Xeomin
• Dysport